Woman's wedding tunic

NameTunic

CultureBerber people

Datec. 1900

Place madeTunisia, Africa

MediumSilk, silk damask, gold & silver metallic thread (tenbit), metallic sequins, cotton & coral

Dimensions52"L X 40"W

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Lloyd E. Cotsen and the Neutrogena Corporation, A.1995.93.95

Object numberA.1995.93.95

DescriptionThe dress is wide and straight and is composed of a central panel covered with couched gold and silver threads, embellished with metallic sequins and coral beads. To the sides of the central panel, silk damask alternates with stripes of multi-colors (with disintegrating warp threads) and red ribbon (probably added later to cover the disintegration). The embroideries which grace the shoulders and hem as well as the central panel, depict various prophylactic patterns including the hand of Fatima and tree-of-life which protect the bride from the "evil eye"; colors are brilliant purple, red, fuchsia, brown, black, gold, silver, yellow.